We first discovered A.b. Violet when she released the vulnerable and expansive single, So Lonely, so we were very excited to hear that the rising U.K. artist’s new EP, EQUINOX was out!
EQUINOX opens with the track, Pedal to the Metal which immerses us with a celestial and textured frequency that evolves into a more robust production, as A.b. Violet humbly sings “This is all I’ve every wanted, I worked hard and I’ve not been one to flaunt it…”
With an atmospheric delivery, Pedal to the Metal tells the story of striving to move forward, referencing the human condition as A.b. Violet, “I’ve got my pedal to the metal, but I still can’t go… as fast I have got to, if I’m to get home…”
Speaking on the track, A.b. Violet explains, “It’s about feeling like you can’t keep up, no matter how fast you go. You can’t live up to expectations, because there’s always something to chase and it’s overwhelming.” We love the concept of the song and the soundscape reminds us of Madonna’s Ray of Light.
Speaking on the release as a whole, A.b. Violet says, “EQUINOX delves into matters of overwhelm, pessimism and regret. Each track’s melodies battle with a heavy, driving beat, symbolising the weight and pace of everyday life, that we can all sometimes struggle to keep up with.”
She continues, with wisdom, “However, embracing the symbolic time of the year when the sun crosses the celestial equator, this EP is a shift in energy- you may at least be able to tap your foot along- as we look forward to new beginnings.”
Next up is Rain, which opens with the lyrics, “You said things have never been better, under your arms I wish I could stay here forever…”, cohesively bonded with a pulsing beat, glistening sonic detailing.
Speaking about the track, A.b. Violet explains, “Rain is about being a bit of a pessimist and thinking that something bad is going to happen…”
The lyrics are romantic, and full of adventure, but in the back of our protagonist’s mind, there is a chance of rain. She sings with emotion and self-awareness, and the instrumental segments in the track are inviting and beautifully constructed.
Finally, we have Wasting Time which A.b. Violet describes as “about addiction and dependence, and how these sorts of toxic habits can take over your life.”
The song opens with a pulsing beat and piano, whilst the artist sings “I’m wasting time, wasting money, feeling fine, feeling funny, feeling reckless and free…” There are moments that remind us of The Corrs and Lana Del Rey, in delivery and lyricism respectively.
We love the narrative arc of the three track opus which delves into matters of being overwhelming, pessimism and regret. A.b. Violet‘s delivery is flawless and full of symbolism and references to the human condition.
When citing her inspirations, A.b. Violet cites London Grammar, Caribou, Massive Attack, Bombay Bicycle club, La Roux, Annie Lennox and house music, but it is clear that she is creating her own dimension with her artistry.
We have added Wasting Time to our New Music Spotlight playlist along with Pedal to the Metal.